Local Resources

A recent AARP survey found aging in place is extremely important to 84% of Utahns 45 and older. Three in five of those surveyed say rising property taxes could impact their ability to remain in their home as they age.

Tax season is over, and AARP Tax-Aide in Utah did another outstanding job helping low-to-moderate income taxpayers in the state file their taxes at no charge and on time! This year, over 6700 returns were completed at 32 sites around the state by 106 volunteer preparers.

Caregiving may be one of the most important roles a person takes on in his or her life, whether it is a sudden role or one that develops over time. Having resources to start to plan for this role, helping to coordinate a big move, or contemplating having a loved one move in will make the process much easier.

by Kaitlin Lounsberry, AARP blog author

AARP Utah extends its warmest congratulations to Duane Blackwell, AARP’s Driver Safety Program 2014 Utah Volunteer of the Year who was recently selected as the Regional Volunteer of the Year for Western Region 2. He will now compete with seven other regional winners across the country for the Michael Seaton Volunteer of the Year, the highest award bestowed within the Driver Safety Program recognizing its most outstanding volunteer.

Across the nation, the aging population has proven to be an important and vital source of economic growth, according to “ The Longevity Economy: Generating Economic Growth and New Opportunities for Business,” a study conducted in 2013 by Oxford Economics and commissioned by AARP. This study counters long-held beliefs about the negative financial impacts of aging on the US economy by showing that the 50+ population actually fuels growth.

AARP's "Staying Sharp" presentations on brain fitness and financial fraud have always been popular around the state, but for 2014 we decided to add break-out sessions on topics that our state research showed were of particular interest to Utahns 50+. The topics added for these additional presentations included how to stay active for life; an overview of wills and living trusts; eating healthy; how to maximize Social Security benefits, and how to make your home fit your needs.

Utah is known for its fabulous skiing, beautiful national parks (five of them, the most in the country) and clean living, but it's also recognized as one of the best states for successful aging according to an index released by the Milken Institute on November 18. Provo was ranked third and Salt Lake City was ranked fifth of 352 U.S. cities in their index, which realizes that most Americans want to age at home and in place as opposed to moving somewhere else to retire.

Salt Lake City is a relatively safe place to walk, ranking 33rd out of 51 major metro areas in a report issued by the National Complete Streets Coalition and Smart Growth America. But more can be done to improve pedestrian safety in the city and in Utah.

By Julie E. Lee, Vice President & National Director, AARP Driver Safety, Education and Outreach